Warm Escapes Fly Your Bird South For The Winter
by Jan Gerner
Are freezing temperatures, wind-chill factors, and short, gloomy days getting you down? Do you long to trade cold snow for warm sand and blustery winds for balmy breezes? Then put away your snow shovels and ice scrapers and dig out your bathing suits, sandals, and sunglasses.
 From the Bahamas to Baja, warm weather destinations beckon. Fly south to thaw out and find instant relief for the winter blues.
Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina, Abaco, Bahamas
The Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina is known world-wide for its 3.5 miles of powder-sand beach and turquoise water. The Treasure Cay Airport (MYAT), a port of entry, is 145 nautical miles from West Palm Beach International (KPBI). Private pilots receive a 20-percent discount, subject to space availability.
Winter blahs will melt away as you clear customs and grab a cab for the seven-mile ride to the resort. Settle in and decide to do nothing, or do everything the resort has to offer, which includes a wide variety of warm-weather vacation activities.
Golfers will enjoy the "no tee time required" golf course. Fishing guides will have you reeling in bonefish, snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, tuna, blue marlin, and wahoo not far from shore. Underwater adventures await divers and snorkelers. A large barrier reef, blue holes, caves, shipwrecks, night dives, and shark observation dives can be arranged through the resort's fully equipped PADI-certified dive shop. Golf carts and bikes are available for exploring, and ferries will take you to Guana Cay and Green Turtle Cay.
Dining is always an important part of your stay, and you won't be disappointed here. Try the fine-dining menu at the Spinnaker restaurant or more casual dining just 100 feet from the ocean at the Coco Beach Bar. Then dance into the wee hours of the warm, tropical night while sipping a cold Kalik or two at the poolside Tipsy Seagull Bar.
Key Largo Grande,
Key Largo, Florida Keys
Touch down at Homestead General Aviation Airport (X51), rent a car, shed your winter woolies, and head for the Overseas Highway. It's about a 30-minute drive to mile marker 97 and the Key Largo Grande Beach Resort. Turn off your cell phones and Blackberries and slip into a laid back Keys frame of mind.
This is a tropical paradise bordered by the southern edge of Everglades National Park and the turquoise waters of Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Be sure to bring your underwater camera along. You are just six miles from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This is the country's first undersea park, and the only living barrier reef in the continental United States. And this is where you can explore the world of tropical fish darting in and out of swaying sea fans and colorful coral formations.
Tunderwater bronze Statue of Christ of the Abyss is a popular photo-op for both divers and snorkelers.
Angling is a favorite sport in this fishing-friendly environment. Guides will get you to the right spots for deep sea fishing, flats fishing, or back-country fishing. Guides will also get you out on eco tours in kayaks and canoes to explore mangrove trails and the back country. Other fun and informative activities include the parrot show at World Parrot Mission and interacting with dolphins and sea lions at Dolphins Plus.
After exploring this unique environment, sample the exotic appetizers and tropical drinks at Parrots Lounge. Then plan on dining at Café Key Largo for fresh Florida seafood and some of the most spectacular sunsets the Keys have to offer.
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